Features

• Bluetooth (V2.0, HID V1.0) interface can let you enjoy freedom of wireless with other media devices.
• Backlighting makes live easy when in the dark.
• Max. distance of 10M (around 33 feet).
• Plug and play: no need to install software.

One of the key features of any mini keyboard is that it is easy to setup and use. The EFO Keyboard meets that requirement by only requiring a single USB dongle and no software or drivers.

Because the EFO Bluetooth Keyboard does not need any software or drivers, it is compatible with most Operating Systems. It is even compatible with most gaming systems.

There are a whole bunch of different uses for a wireless keyboard. Everything from remote controlling an HTPC, laptop during a presentation, or even writing emails from afar.

Instead of the normal IR interface for most remotes, the EFO keyboard uses Bluetooth technology. Bluetooth has the benefit of not needing line-of-sight and having a range of about 30 feet. This means you can control a computer even if you are not in the same room.

Design

The design of the keyboard is very simple. The front is where you find the keyboard, touchpad, and activity lights. There are actually 5 lights at the top of the EFO keyboard and they consist of charging, external power, Bluetooth status, battery power, and caps lock/input switch.

Front

The touchpad is quite large when compared to other devices like this, but this gives you lots of room to move around in. Below the touchpad are two buttons which are the left and right mouse buttons.

The keyboard is very small, but it does have a standard QWERTY layout. The buttons are also slightly raised, and very smooth. Most of the buttons have dual functions, the second function is indicated with a small number or character above the regular one. However, not everything is perfect. Normally, the F and J keys have a raised spot so that you can orient your fingers without looking at the keyboard. This keyboard does not have these, and some of the keys are not in their normal location, so looking at your fingers while typing is a necessity. The keyboard is also missing multimedia keys. For use with an HTPC the multimedia keys would have been very helpful.

The keyboard also has a backlight function, but it needs to be turned on manually. To turn on the backlight the RF key must be pressed twice. The only way to turn off the backlight is to let the keyboard go to sleep or use the power switch to turn off the keyboard.

Backlight

The bottom has a USB port for charging, a power switch, and a Bluetooth reset switch. If you find that you cannot get the keyboard to connect to your computer then pressing the reset switch may help. I often found myself forgetting to turn off the keyboard. Fortunately, the EFO keyboard also has a sleep mode. This means that if you are like me and you forget to turn off the keyboard, you don’t need to worry about wasted batteries. The sleep mode automatically activates after 30 seconds of inactivity.

Performance

So now it is time to hook it up to my HTPC and try it out.

Because there is no software to install, setting up the EFO keyboard is relatively easy. The first thing you must do is plug the Bluetooth dongle into one of the USB ports on your computer. After that is done the next step is to turn on the keyboard. When the keyboard is turned on it should enter discovery mode. While in this mode the middle status light should blink. If this does not happen, like with mine, then the reset button will need to be pressed. Once the reset button is pressed the light should start blinking.

The next step is to pair the keyboard to the computer and there are several steps to this. the screenshots below show the steps I had to take.

Connect 1	Connect 2
Connect 3	Connect 4

Once the process is complete the keyboard will start working with the computer. The keyboard and touchpad worked very well. The only problem I had using the keyboard was that the letter O would stick. This wasn’t a huge problem because I could eventually get it to work.

As I stated above the keys have a QWERTY layout, so it is easy to find the keys you are looking for. The buttons have a solid feel and give a solid click when pressed. I did not have any trouble getting it to work or using it.

Another problem I encountered is that when I turned the keyboard off and then on again it would not reconnect. I actually had to delete the current device connection and then pair it to the computer all over again.

Warranty and Support

The EFO Keyboard comes with a 1 year warranty, and you get support through the EFO website.

Conclusion

The keyboard certainly does its job, and it does it without breaking the bank. The low price of $60 makes up for a lot of the missing features. This is the most expensive of all the EFO keyboards, but it also has the best keyboard layout and the benefit of Bluetooth technology.

If your looking for a wireless mini keyboard and you are on a tight budget then the EFO keyboard is a great option.

Features

• Plug and play: no need to install software.
• Compatible for Mac, Linux, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, etc
• No battery is required.
• Backlighting: Makes text entry effortless – even in low light.
• Light weight: Only with 60 g.

One of the key features of any mini keyboard is that it is easy to setup and use. The EFO Keyboard meets that requirement by only requiring a single USB plug and no software or drivers.

Because the EFO Keyboard does not need any software or drivers, it is compatible with most operating systems, it is even compatible with most gaming systems.

The backlight is nice for when the lights are out. Often when watching TV I turn off the lights and without the backlight I would have to turn the lights back on to see the buttons.

The fact that this is a wired keyboard eliminates the need for a battery, which means there is no need to wait for the battery to charge before it can be used.

Also because there isn’t a battery or wireless transmitter the keyboard is very light weight.

Design

The front is where you find the keyboard, touchpad, and activity lights. There are 5 lights at the top of the EFO keyboard but only the 3rd and 5th actually do anything. They are for input and caps lock. The other three LEDs are only applicable for the wireless versions of the keyboard.

Lights

Lights

The touchpad is quite large when compared to other devices like this, but this gives you lots of room to move around in. Below the touchpad are two buttons which are the left and right mouse buttons.

Keyboard and Cable

The keyboard is very small, but it does has a standard QWERTY layout. The buttons are also slightly raised and that makes them easy to press, but they are also very smooth. Most of the buttons have dual functions, the second function is indicated with a small number or character above the regular one. However, not everything is perfect. Normally, the F and J keys have a raised spot so that you can orient your fingers without looking at the keyboard. This keyboard does not have these, and some of the auxiliary keys are not in their normal location, so looking at your fingers while typing is a necessity. The keyboard is also lacking multimedia keys. For use with an HTPC the multimedia keys would have been very helpful.

The keyboard has a backlight function, but it needs to be turned on and off manually. To turn on and off the backlight the RF key must be pressed.

Backlight

Backlight

The bottom has the USB port, and a power switch, but the power switch does not actually work on the wired version.

USB

Because a cable is required for use, EFO included a USB cord that is 2M long. This give you a little wiggle room while using the keyboard.

Performance

So now it is time to hook it up to my computer and try it out.

Because there is no software to install, setting up the EFO keyboard is very easy, just plug it in.

Once it is plugged in, the computer will detect a new device and install any needed drivers. After that is done the only thing left to do is use it, and using the EFO keyboard is actually very easy.

As I stated above, the keys have a QWERTY layout, so it is easy to find the keys you are looking for. The buttons have a solid feel and give a solid click when pressed. I did not have any trouble getting it to work or using it.

The only big negative is having to be physically attached to my computer. Because of this I would rather just use my full size keyboard and mouse.

Warranty and Support

The EFO Keyboard comes with a 1 year warranty, and you get support through the EFO website.

Conclusion

The keyboard certainly does its job, and it does it without breaking the bank. The low price of $22 makes up for a lot of the missing features. However, if you can afford the more expensive wireless keyboard I would recommend that you get that one instead. Having to be physically attached to my computer is a real pain.

If your looking for a wireless mini keyboard and you are on a tight budget then the EFO keyboard is a great option.

Features

• Plug & play
• Support Window (2000, XP & Vista) and Linux (Debian-3.1, Redhat-9.0, Ubuntu-8.10, Fedora-7.0), Mac OS (with USB port). It can also be used on the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii games consoles, etc.
• Applicable for the lecturer, meeting presenter, classroom teacher, sales manager or anyone using a projected image.
• RF interface provides a range of 33 feet in any direction.

One of the key features of any mini keyboard is that it is easy to setup and use. The EFO Keyboard meets that requirement by only requiring a single USB dongle and no software or drivers.

Because the EFO Keyboard does not need any software or drivers, it is compatible with most Operating Systems. It is even compatible with most gaming systems.

There are a whole bunch of different uses for a wireless keyboard. Everything from remote controlling an HTPC, laptop during a presentation (for a lecturer or teacher), or even writing emails from afar.

Instead of the normal IR interface for most remotes, the EFO keyboard uses an RF interface. This RF interface allows  the attached computer to be controlled without a line of site and from any location, as long as you are within 33 feet.

Design

The front is where you find the keyboard, touchpad, and activity lights. There are actually 5 lights at the top of the EFO keyboard and they consist of charging, external power, RF status, battery power, and caps lock/input switch.

Front

The touchpad is quite large when compared to other devices like this, but this gives you lots of room to move around in. Below the touchpad are two buttons which are the left and right mouse buttons.

The keyboard is very small, but it does has a standard QWERTY layout. The buttons are also slightly raised, but they are also very smooth. Most of the buttons have dual functions, the second function is indicated with a small number or character above the regular one. However, not everything is perfect. Normally, the F and J keys have a raised spot so that you can orient your fingers without looking at the keyboard. This keyboard does not have these, and some of the keys are not in their normal location, so looking at your fingers while typing is a necessity. The keyboard is also missing multimedia keys. For use with an HTPC the multimedia keys would have been very helpful.

The keyboard also has a backlight function, but it needs to be turned on manually. To turn on the backlight the RF key must be pressed twice. The only way to turn off the backlight is to let the keyboard go to sleep or use the power switch to turn off the keyboard.

Backlit keys

Backlit keys

The bottom has the USB port for charging, and a power switch. I often found myself forgetting to turn off the keyboard. Fortunately, the EFO keyboard also has a sleep mode. This means that if you are like me and you forget to turn of the keyboard, you don’t need to worry about wasted batteries. The sleep mode automatically activates after 30 seconds of inactivity.

Bottom

Performance

So now it is time to hook it up to my HTPC and try it out.

Because there is no software to install, setting up the EFO keyboard is very easy, just plug it in and turn it on.

Once it is plugged in and turned on, the computer will detect a new device and install any needed drivers. After that is done the only thing left to do is use it, and using the EFO keyboard is actually very easy.

As I stated above the keys have a QWERTY layout, so it is easy to find the keys you are looking for. The buttons have a solid feel and give a solid click when pressed. I did not have any trouble getting it to work or using it.

Warranty and Support

The EFO Keyboard comes with a 1 year warranty, and you get support through the EFO website.

Conclusion

The keyboard certainly does its job, and it does it without breaking the bank. The low price of $40 makes up for a lot of the missing features. For example, the more feature rich Logitech diNovo Mini sells for about $120, thats 3x as much as the EFO keyboard.

If your looking for a wireless mini keyboard and you are on a tight budget then the EFO keyboard is a great option.

Features

• Smooth one-step lift and tilt
• Create a productive dual-display configuration
• Includes premium plug-and-play wireless keyboard and mouse
• Get the comfort of a full desktop computer system without sacrificing your notebook portability

Being able to adjust the stand is very important for comfort and ease of use. This laptop stand can be moved up and down very easily and without any trouble. There is also a tension screw that will help it stay in place when you get it to the correct height.

One of the best things about a laptop stand is that you can put it next to a monitor and then raise it up to the same level as the monitor so it acts like a second screen. This is great for your neck because you don’t have to move your head as much.

The inclusion of a wireless keyboard and mouse eliminates the need to use the cramped keyboard that is built into the laptop. Not only is it small, but if you have it up on the stand it is not in a good position for your hands.

Design

The notebook stand has a very simple design. The top of the stand is very simple, mostly it is flat with a few holes for air circulation. The lower end of the top has an adjustable rest for support of laptops that are larger. The whole top also tilts for optimal flexibility.

Front

Laptop rest

The arm that comes out of the top has hinges at the top and bottom. This allows it to move up and down while still keeping the top in the same position. This is useful if you want to adjust it to match up with an external monitor or just with your eye level. There is a screw at the bottom of the arm that adjusts the tension of the arm. This is so it will stay at the height you choose.

Up

Down

Tension screw

The base of the notebook stand is also important. The base of this stand has a Y shape which provides great stability without taking up a lot of space. The bottom of the two front legs have wheels which allow it to be swiveled for easy adjustments.

Bottom

Bottom roller

Performance

The Notebook stand works as promised. The stand easily supports the weight of my laptop, and if you have a bigger one then you can easily adjust the tension screw and give it more strength. The stand moves up and down, and the head tilts with ease. Getting it to stay at a particular height is as easy as tightening the tension screw and then lowering or raising the stand. Because the screw had previously been tightened, the stand will stay where you put it.

Laptop on stand

Laptop on stand side

The keyboard and mouse also also function as they should. The wireless is nice because all you have to do is plug in the wireless USB plug and you are connected. The keyboard and mouse are not the highest quality that I have ever seen, but they do the job and will get you through the day.

Wireless keyboard and mouse

Warranty

The notebook stand comes with a three year warranty, this covers only the stand. The wireless keyboard and mouse are made by a different company, so they are covered by a different warranty. This warranty for the keyboard and mouse is a limited lifetime warranty.

Conclusion

I really like this notebook stand — especially since it comes with a keyboard and mouse. It is really an all-in-one package for laptop users. If you have a laptop and you are tired of the small keyboard and not having it at eye level, then you really need to get one of these.

Features

• Compact
• Integrated, dual-purpose ClickPad
• Backlighting
• Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
• Bluetooth 2.0

The compact design of the diNovo Mini is one of its key features. Because of its small size it can be taken anywhere and used with any computer that has a USB port.

The dual-purpose ClickPad can be used to navigate Windows Media Center like a remote, or it can be switched over to function like a TouchPad.

The backlighting makes it easy to use even in the dark. There are two colors, and they represent the two modes that the ClickPad and keyboard can take. The backlighting makes use of a light sensor that is built-in to the device. If there is sufficient light to see the keys, the backlight will not turn on to conserve power.

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The battery that comes with and powers the diNovo Mini is a rechargeable Li-Ion battery. This battery provides a lot of juice so that you don’t have to constantly keep charging it. This is important because charging it is not the easiest thing to do.

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The Bluetooth wireless connectivity allows the keyboard to be used from almost any location, even if you don’t have a direct line of site to the computer.

Design

First and foremost this is a small keyboard, the entire layout is built around that fact.

The front of the diNovo is dominated by the keyboard and cover. For the most part the layout of the keys stay true to a QUERTY design. However, there are some keys that have been moved or removed. For example, there are no function keys, square or curly braces, or many of the other extra keys. However, to make up for how compact it is, some of the keys have more than one function. There are also a few multimedia controls which help when using it as a remote. The multimedia controls consist of volume, play, fast forward, rewind, stop, record, play, and pause. There are also buttons for launching a web browser, media player, and turning off your computer.

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The back has a large cover and under it is where the battery and USB dongle go. There is also a red button that is used for activating the Bluetooth discovery mode. Under the USB dongle is a small switch. This switch allows you to use the diNovo Mini with a Playstation 3 (PS3). I do not have a PS3 so I was unable to test it, but Logitech claims that the keyboard will work directly with the PS3 without the need of the dongle.

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The rear of the diNovo Mini has only one port and it is for plugging it in, to charge the battery. I was disappointed when I saw that it did not come with a charging cradle like the Harmony remotes do. It would make it so much nicer not to have to hunt for the cable every time it needs to charge. In addition, because this is being used for media center PCs it will most likely be placed in an entertainment center. In this kind of setup you could easily lose the power cable by having it fall behind where you can’t reach it or get tangled up with all the other cords. Having a cradle means it is always in the same place and you don’t have to hunt for it.

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Performance

I recently put together a Home Theater PC (HTPC) and while I can perform most functions with a remote like the Harmony One or Harmony 800, there are other functions, like installing software, that I need to use a keyboard or mouse. In the past I have always kept a keyboard and mouse handy so that I could plug them in and complete the tasks. This was a hassle because they take up space to store and they are not convenient to use with an HTPC that is in an entertainment center. I could use a wireless keyboard and mouse, but they still take up storage space. That is why the diNovo Mini is so perfect.

I was able to connect the keyboard to any of the computers I have using the Bluetooth dongle. Using the Bluetooth dongle, the diNovo Mini worked perfectly every time. However, when attempting to use a device with Bluetooth built-in, it did not work quite as well. I was able to get my Treo 650 and my Axim X50v to recognize the diNovo Mini. However, neither device would accept input from the keyboard.

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The two modes that are available are cursor and media remote mode. Switching between the two is as easy and sliding a switch. When you change between modes some of the keys are remapped to perform different functions. For example, on the left of the keyboard are two large buttons, the top one is labeled “PAGE + CH” and the bottom one is labeled “PAGE – CH”. When in cursor mode these buttons function like the page up and down buttons that are normally found on a keyboard. When in media remote mode these buttons function like channel up and down buttons that are found on a remote. Other keys do not change between the modes. For example, the letter and blue function keys stay the same.

I also have to mention that the diNovo Mini only has limited use as a remote for regular TV viewing. Because you cannot control things like the power and volume on your TV or Stereo, you are still going to need another remote for those things. If Logitech would combine a Harmony remote and a diNovo Mini they would have a truly universal remote that would work for entertainment centers and computers.

As far as battery life is concerned I have not charged mine in several weeks, and it still works great. Granted I only use it once or twice a week, it is still nice to not have to worry about it running out of juice quickly. Logitech claims that with a full 4 hour charge the diNovo mini will last for 30 days. Obviously, this will vary based on your usage.

The software that comes with the diNovo Mini is fairly basic. It allows you to do things like set the speed and sensitivity of the mouse and change the hot keys. The problem with the software is that the settings are computer dependent. This means that you must install it and make the changes on each computer. The software is not required, and for the most part I have not found a lot of use for it.

Warranty and Support

The warranty on the diNovo Mini is for three years. This is fairly good considering most companies only offer a one year warranty. In case you need it, you can get support for the diNovo Mini either by visiting the Logitech website or calling them on the phone.

Conclusion

I really enjoyed using the diNovo Mini while I had it. Everything worked great and it made using an HTPC really easy. I was even able to type with a fairly good speed when using a word processor or email program. If Logitech can address some of the concerns I mentioned above they will have a really useful device that almost anyone can use. With a list price of $149.99 it is not too far out of reach of most people that are putting together an HTPC. As always compare prices before purchasing.

Features

• Key characters and keypad illuminate through laser-etched keys
• Media keys for volume control, play/pause and skip tracks
• Variable backlighting adjusts through dimmer mechanism
• Angle adjustment and extendable wrist rest for maximum comfort to suit the way you type
• Weighted base with large area rubber feet to keep keyboard securely planted to the desk

Saitek Eclipse II keyboard is an upgrade from the Eclipse keyboard that Saitek released a while ago. The main difference between the two keyboards is the addition of new multimedia controls, new backlight colors, and a variable backlight adjustment.

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There are slight changes all around, but the Eclipse II keyboard is almost exactly the same as the Eclipse keyboard. The colors of the keyboard have been reversed on the Eclipse II keyboard. The keys are now black and the trim around the edge is silver, and the wish bone design is not as pronounced. There are also three colors (Red, Blue and Purple) that you can choose from at the t

ouch of a button. In addition to the design changes, there are also some functionality changes, these changes include: new multimedia controls and the variable backlight adjustment.

Design

When you first look at the Eclipse II keyboard you are going to notice the change in color and design. The colors have been changed slightly and the wishbone design is not as pronounced. I consider this a positive change because it makes it easier to put a joystick or something else next to the keyboard. I would not mind if they continued to remove the wishbone design in the next revision of this keyboard.

Despite the changes in the color of the keyboard your eyes will eventually move to the top right of the keyboard. This is where all the biggest changes have taken place. The Eclipse II keyboard adds to the volume and mute buttons of the original Eclipse keyboard by adding a play, pause, fast forward, rewind, color change button and also a knob for dimming the backlight.

Saitek was able to keep this area very compact by using slim buttons and having each button perform two tasks. For example the color change and the mute are on the same button, but each side of the button does something different.

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Like the Eclipse, the Eclipse II also features a Zero-Slope design. This means the keyboard is flat. It is completely up to the user to determine the slop of the keyboard. If you want a slope on the keyboard, then all you need to do is extend the risers.

There is not much to mention about the bottom of the keyboard except to point out the very nice rubber anti-skid pads. Those in addition to the extra weight should keep the keyboard from sliding around.

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One additional feature they could add that would make this better is a built in USB hub. I have found that you can never have enough USB ports. I already have about 8 USB ports filled up with various things and it would be nice to have more. Especially one on my keyboard that is really easy to access.

Performance

Performance on a keyboard comes down to how it feels while you type. With the Saitek Eclipse II keyboard there is also the issue of lighting. The lighting on this keyboard works well. I usually have to leave the light on high to pick out all the right keys, even in the middle of the night. There are some keys that suffer from blooming. I often found that I could not pick out the different symbols that are above the numbers. They are small and the designs are more complicated than letters and numbers, so the light blurs things. I had to turn down the lighting so that it cut back on the blooming. This usually helped me to be able to see all the keys correctly.

The dial that adjusts the lighting is a little flawed. When it is turned all the way up you actually have to turn it half way around before you notice a change in the lighting. The opposite is true for when it is all the way down, only the first half of the turn adjusts the lighting, the second half does nothing. This seems like a flaw to me because it turns a lot farther then it needs. This is not a huge issue, but it would be nice if Saitek would either reduce the turn radius of the knob or make the lighting change during the full turn. Then again, maybe I just got a broken keyboard.

Being able to change colors does not make the keyboard more or less usable, but it is nice because if you already have colors in your case or something, you can change the color of the keyboard to match. As you know from the review of my new computer, my case came with blue lighting, so I can adjust the keyboard to blue and everything looks great together. Or if you want it to match your optical mouse, which has a red laser, all it takes is another button push and your keybard is red.

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Even without the lights, the keyboard is very capable. The keys respond very nicely to touch and they have a nice textured feel. They are not really bumpy, but in the same respect they are not glass smooth. Because of the price I would not recommend this keyboard unless you really like the lighting.

Installation is a snap. All you need to do is plug it in. Because the keys are not programmable, you do not need to install any drivers or special software.

Warranty

As with all of Saitek’s products, there is a two year warranty on the Eclipse keyboard. This is decent, but I keep hoping that more companies will offer lifetime warranties.

Conclusion

The Saitek Eclipse II Keyboard is very nice. Except for some design issues, I have nothing but good things to say. One can only hope that in the next revision that they will add some of those features that I mentioned above, and make it even better. I highly recommend this keyboard to anyone who simply wants to enjoy using their computer, even in the dark. This keybaord retails for $69.95, but as always make sure you compare prices on the keyboard so get the best deal.

Features

• Three lighting levels: High / Low / Off
• Volume control / Mute
• Adjustable keyboard angle
• Adjustable wrist rest
• Black finish and silver keys with laser-cut lettering.

Saitek Eclipse keyboard is the upgrade from the Gamers keyboard that Saitek released a while ago. The Eclipse keyboard has several new features and has lost one. If you own a Gamers keyboard and you get one of these you will first notice that the Eclipse is missing the command pad. This idea was so popular that they actually spun it off into its own product. It is now called the Pro Gamer Command Unit and includes many new features. We will be reviewing that at a later date.

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The Eclipse keyboard keeps a lot of the same features as the Gamers keyboard: Colors, wishbone design, lighted keys, and volume and light control buttons. The wrist rest is very similar to the gamers keyboard, except that the Eclipse’s wrist rest is adjustable. While the colors are the same, black and silver, the colors are reversed. The gamers keyboard was silver with black keys and silver lettering. The Eclipse’s keyboard is black with silver keys and black looking lettering.

The most noticeable new feature is the keys. While the lettering looks black, they are actually laser-cut so that the light from the bottom of the keyboard can shine through. This is a huge feature because you can now be playing games in the dark and still see the keys.

Design

When you first take the keyboard out of its box you will notice how big it looks. This keyboard is actually only slightly wider than normal keyboards, it only looks bigger because of the wishbone design. I think the wishbone design looks OK, but if Saitek made the keyboard smaller then it would easier to squeeze it into tight spaces. I also don’t believe it would lose any of its appeal or functionality. The keyboard is also quite heavy when it comes to keyboards. This could be a good thing for those that don’t like their keyboard sliding around. This would be a bad thing for people that like to put their keyboard on their lap.

The keys on the keyboard are comfortable to use. They do not require a lot of pressure to press and they don’t make a lot of noise when they are pressed. They are painted silver and have the letters laser-cut into each key. The laser-cut is actually quite interesting because Saitek had to invent their own process for this. They did this so they could control how much light comes out of each key. If you have too much light then you cannot recognize the letters on the keys because of light blooming. If there is too little light then the back light around the keys would wash out the letters. Luckily, you have some control over the light level. Saitek provides a light control button that can set the lights to High, Low or off.

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Besides the normal set of keys and the light toggle button the Saitek Eclipse keyboard also has three additional buttons that control the volume. There is a volume up, volume down and mute button. While these are probably the most used media buttons on the keyboard, it would have been nice to have the other media buttons like: play, stop fast forward, and rewind. It would also be nice to have some of the other buttons like: home, back, forward, and refresh.

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The Eclipse also features a Zero-Slope design. This means the keyboard is flat. It is completely up to the user to determine the slop of the keyboard. If you want a slope on the keyboard, then all you need to do is extend the risers.

There is not much to mention about the bottom of the keyboard except to point out the very nice rubber anti-skid pads. Those in addition to the extra eight should keep the keyboard from sliding around.

One additional feature they could add that would make this better is a built in USB hub. I have found that you can never have enough USB ports. I already have about 8 USB ports filled up with various things and it would be nice to have more.

Performance

Performance on a keyboard comes down to how it feels while you type. With the Saitek Eclipse keyboard there is also the issue of lighting. The lighting on this keyboard works really well. I usually leave the light on high and pick out all the right keys even in the middle of the night. There are some keys that suffer from blooming. I often found that I could not pick out the different symbols that are above the numbers. They are small and the designs are more complicated, than letters and numbers, so the light blurs things. I had to turn down the lighting so that it cut back on the blooming. This usually helped me to be able to see all the keys correctly.

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Even without the lights, the keyboard is very capable. The keys respond very nicely to touch and they have a nice textured feel. They are not really bumpy, but in the same respect they are not glass smooth.

Instillation is a snap. All you need to do is plug it in. Because the keys are not programmable you do not need to install any drivers or special software.

Warranty

As with all of Saitek’s products, there is a two year warranty on the Eclipse keyboard. This is decent, but I keep hoping that more companies will offer lifetime warranties.

Conclusion

The Saitek Eclipse Keyboard is very nice. Except for some design issues, I have nothing but good things to say. One can only hope that in the next revision that they will add some of those features that I mentioned above, and make it even better. I highly recommend this keyboard to anyone who simply wants to enjoy using their computer.